BROOKS BETTS

My father died of cancer in March of 1989 at the age of 66. My younger
and only sister died of cancer in October of 1990 at the age of 37.
Most of my early works were created as memorials. In dedicating work
to them, I felt that both my father and sister were in the studio with
me, that they were not so very distant, and that I could communicate
with them by way of the work. Sometimes I can still feel them with me
as I work.

This series of upside-down floral images, partially hidden yet light, are reminiscent of my seeing a light on my sister's chin, on the melanoma that would kill her. The surfaces of these panels are resin coated, reflecting the viewer and the outside world within their darkness as a sign that life can emerge from death.